[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/nano_conference.jpg” caption=”Ontario Nano Symposium”]Nanotechnology - the branch of engineering that deals with individual atoms or molecules - holds the keys for future technological breakthroughs. McMaster researchers are at the forefront of new developments for imaging nanostructures, producing new nano-materials, and incorporating nanotechnologies into new systems for biomedical applications.

McMaster scientists will join with other stakeholders from across Ontario on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at McMaster University to discuss how to address the challenging issues in nanotechnology and convert those efforts into innovation. Invited participants include leading researchers from academia and industry along with experts in the innovation process from the private and government sectors.

John Preston, director of the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research and workshop organizer, says, “Ontario's future economy will be strongly impacted by our investments in nanoscience and nanotechnology. By co-ordinating our activities, we can make those investments much more effective in terms of delivering innovation.”

Also on Wednesday, future research stars will be meeting on the University campus. McMaster graduate students working in nanoscience and nanotechnology have invited their counterparts from across the province to join them for a workshop including invited talks and a poster session. The student event is sponsored by NSERC's Nano Innovation Platform.

Mike Massa, one of the organizing students, says, “The idea is for students from all of the disciplines associated with nanoscience to come together and share ideas.”

The nanotechnology conference and workshop will be held in the CIBC Banquet Hall, third floor, McMaster University Student Centre. The student conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.